Sen. Mark Warner mentioned Sunday that allegations towards Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner might be as much as voters to weigh, however are “disturbing” if true.
“I do assume on the finish of the day American voters will make these choices, and I do not know Mr. Platner. I’ve by no means met him,” Warner, D-Va., advised ABC Information’ “This Week” co-anchor Martha Raddatz. “I’d simply say this: The allegations are made. I feel you must have a minimum of some try to … disprove them, if that is the case.”
Final week, the New York Instances revealed a narrative based mostly on interviews with a number of of Platner’s ex-partners, one among whom described his habits at occasions as “unsettling” and “reckless.” Among the ladies interviewed for the article claimed that Platner might be demeaning to ladies and one girl alleged he was bodily tough along with her. Others described him extra positively, with one calling him a “light big.”
Sen. Mark Warner speaks throughout a Senate Finance Committee listening to on President Donald Trump’s Fiscal 12 months 2027 finances request for the Treasury Division, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., June 3, 2026.
Kylie Cooper/Reuters
Platner has mentioned he struggled with PTSD and self-medicated with alcohol. He acknowledged he has been a “dangerous boyfriend” however denied any bodily roughness with previous companions.
Platner is hoping to face Sen. Susan Collins in November, a long-time Republican incumbent who has over-performed in her previous elections. To win management of the Senate, defeating Collins is key for Democrats, a few of whom concern that Platner’s controversies may value them the race.
Whereas Warner mentioned he wished each events would maintain themselves to a better commonplace, he identified that President Donald Trump confronted a number of controversies when working for president in 2016 and nonetheless was elected.
“This complete realm modified dramatically when Donald Trump ran his first time, was caught on tape saying terribly dispiriting issues,” Warner mentioned. “That appeared to not cease Trump getting elected.”
